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A delicious cheesy skillet orzo served hot in a rustic skillet, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs.

Cheesy Skillet Orzo: Your New Go-To Weeknight Wonder

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Cheesy Skillet Orzo is a quick, hearty, and cheesy one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights. Combining tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground meat, melted cheese, and aromatic seasonings, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Ideal for busy families seeking a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this cheesy orzo skillet is a new go-to in your dinner rotation.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove excess grease if needed.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cheddar garlic herb soup.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free variations.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg